When using a knife, what is the safest practice?

Using a knife safely involves understanding the movements that reduce the risk of injury. Cutting away from your body is the safest practice because it directs the blade away from your torso, reducing the potential for accidental cuts or injuries. This technique ensures that if the knife slips or if you lose control, the blade will not move towards your vital areas.

In contrast, cutting towards your body increases the risk of serious injury since it places the cutting edge closer to your hands and torso. Cutting in a diagonal direction does not inherently imply safety, as the focus should remain on the direction of the blade in relation to your body. Additionally, using a dull knife is counterproductive because it requires more force to cut, which can lead to slips and accidents, making it more dangerous than using a sharp knife designed for the task. Therefore, cutting away from your body stands out as the best practice for maintaining safety while using a knife.